Outdoor Activities In Lehigh Valley

Get your adrenaline fix on the slopes with the winter activities of skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Explore all that the region has to offer with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and The Link, a regional trail network highlighting connections across Lehigh Valley.

The best way to catalog adventure – and the surefire way to happiness – is to go out and seek it, and then get your Tail On The Trail.

Hike to take in scenic vistas along an eight-mile trail system. Hawk Mountain offers a lush Native Plant Garden, weekend programs, and an accessible trail to South Lookout, ensuring access for all. Hawk Mountain is repeatedly recognized as one of the top places for birding in the country with opportunities to spot raptors soaring through the air year-round. While the hike is of a shorter length (but very rocky), you’ll be impressed with the views from the top! Located along the Appalachian Trail, Bake Oven Knob provides stellar south-facing panoramas of Lehigh Valley. The grounds of Jacobsburg State Park cover more than 1,160 acres including lush wooded areas; streams for fishing; 18.5 miles for hiking, biking, and horseback riding; and more. While there are 121 state parks throughout Pennsylvania, only four are designated as environmental education centers, including Jacobsburg. Take advantage of guided programming including wildflower hikes, snowshoeing, and more.

Spanning 165 miles in total (the section crossing through Lehigh Valley covers 48 miles), the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Trail (D&L) pathway offers a flat surface perfect for hiking, biking, and running. You can bring your pup along for some pet-friendly adventures as well. While on the trail, you’ll see landmarks including the George Taylor House, the National Canal Museum, and more. Explore the northern Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail, part of the D&L, on excursions through Pocono Biking. Take advantage of their bike rental program or bring your own along. From the top of the trail enjoy a leisurely ride downhill, complete with riverside views as you make your way back to the main depot in Jim Thorpe. Or, bike south across the newly-opened Mansion House Bridge. While a majority of the Ironton Rail Trail is arranged in a large loop (approximately six miles), a single spur (four miles) adds extra distance for those looking to explore. Your journey on this section of the D&L will take you past unique sites including train cars and the Cement Kilns At Saylor Park.

The Lehigh River provides some of the best whitewater rafting in the Pennsylvania. Round up your friends and head out for an afternoon on the water with Pocono Whitewater where you can experience Class I, II, and III rapids. Add a dose of history to your next kayak expedition with Historic Bethlehem River Tours as you travel down the Lehigh River. These guided tours include boat rentals and are available in either five or seven-mile journeys. Explore Easton’s Hugh Moore Park for canal-side views. At the Welcome Center, you can rent kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes to enjoy while on the peaceful waters of the canal.

Whether you want to race down the mountainside on two wheels with top-notch mountain biking trails, or prefer to wait for winter’s snow to roll around, nearby Blue Mountain Resort is sure to provide endless adventure. Located just north of Lehigh Valley, Blue Mountain is recognized as Pennsylvania’s highest vertical. If you prefer to take in the views without the action, grab a table at the Slopeside Pub & Grill where you can enjoy a meal paired with some of the finest views around. You can even head just west of Lehigh Valley to Bear Creek, an all-inclusive escape to the mountains with a full-service hotel and spa directly on-site.